The National Electronic Authentication Center (NEAC) officially opened its new branch in Ho Chi Minh City on October 15, launching efforts to expand digital signatures and trusted service infrastructure in Southern Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta and Southeast regions.

Representatives cut the ribbon to inaugurate the branch of the National Electronic Authentication Center in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Bao Lam

Strategic Expansion for Digital Trust

At the inauguration, Tô Thị Thu Hương, Director of NEAC under the Ministry of Science and Technology, emphasized that HCMC was selected not only for its geographic importance but also for its role as a pioneer in innovation and digital transformation. She said the new branch will bring trusted services and digital signatures closer to businesses and citizens in a region crucial to Vietnam’s socio-economic landscape.

Ms. To Thi Thu Huong, Director of the National Center for Electronic Authentication. Photo: Bao Lam

The branch is envisioned as a strategic backup system, reinforcing both the security and continuity of national electronic authentication infrastructure. Raising Awareness & Educating Stakeholders

One of the key tasks for the new HCMC branch is to increase awareness about electronic authentication and trusted services, concepts that remain unfamiliar to many, according to NEAC’s leadership. NEAC plans to work closely with local authorities, enterprises, and technical agencies to deploy trusted services, build technical infrastructure, and develop a pool of qualified professionals.

Numbers & Ambitions

At the time of the branch opening, NEAC reported that 25-26 million Vietnamese adults already possess digital signing certificates - up from approximately 18 million earlier in July 2025. The ministry aims for 30 million adults to have digital signatures by the end of 2025. Looking further ahead, by 2030 the goal is to ensure that all adult citizens have access to legally authenticated, secure electronic transactions.

Support and Industry Response

Phùng Huy Tâm, Chairman of the Vietnam Digital Signature & Electronic Transactions Club (VCDC), hailed NEAC’s new branch as a critical move to enforce Vietnam’s e-transaction law and build legal infrastructure to support businesses. He noted that while some enterprises had initial reservations, the presence of NEAC in the South will foster a reliable digital ecosystem and boost confidence in electronic transactions.

Next Steps

NEAC HCMC branch head Ngô Minh Điệp announced commitments to roll out digital signature services, trusted service offerings, and public education campaigns. Officials plan to integrate with regulatory frameworks such as Circulars 15, 16, and 17 from the Ministry of Science and Technology, which set technical standards for digital signatures and authentication services.

According to NEAC, the branch plans to collaborate with relevant agencies to guarantee transparent, secure deployment of digital services, encouraging both confidence and adoption across public and private users.

Inside the branch of the National Electronic Authentication Center in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Bao Lam